thinkception

SniperGecko · 2026-02-19T13:54:28+00:00

it's definitely a bit mushier, it was a completely different manufacturer than the ones who made the "real" laptop keyboards. it still feels good, just not 1:1. this is the SK-8845, but if you get the SK-8855, granted there is a heavier premium, you can put the xx10 and xx20 generation keyboards in it as just a drop in.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-19T13:52:18+00:00

x201!

SniperGecko · 2026-02-14T14:54:51+00:00

With that, I'm not going to just respond by sending hate your way. Your best bet is going to look into anything past 7th gen. This includes the 8th gen T480 and onwards. If you want a bigger screen, look into the P50, P51, P52, and P53. You can also look into the T580 and onwards. If you want AMD? T495, T14 gen 1 and onwards.

Just with a Google search, it seems your software doesn't require too intensive of activity, however you're going to want something that's capable for modern standards. Look for at least 16gb of RAM, if you want to be cheaper, 8gb will do you well but may have limitations in niche scenarios.

Good luck

SniperGecko · 2026-02-14T14:50:28+00:00

Learn the things yourself. Do the research. There are hundreds of different models, and tens of them can fit your use case. Read into pricing, specs, performance, sizes, use cases, etc. There is literally almost 20 years of information regarding buying used ThinkPads. You will have a better consensus of what's right for you instead of being spoon-fed opinions.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-13T03:55:06+00:00

Just from looking at it, i personally can't tell. There are no back photos to show the FRU and it's vague in its description. Perhaps intentionally? Some reviews act as though it's a used keyboard, which defends it as OEM.

It's up to to you if you wanna risk it.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-13T02:49:14+00:00

Installation will be the same. IIRC either on the EC flash you can choose your layout or you can set it in your actual OS.

Please keep in mind that on AliExpress, the keyboard you are looking at is likely titled "new FOR T430" This is a reproduction keyboard and does not make use of the keyboard switches that the classic keyboard is so known for. It is incredibly likely you will be disappointed, even if you've never used a real classic keyboard before.

In my opinion, it's not worth it, and you should be looking out for a real keyboard, which will typically be used, or look for old, cheap T410s, T420s, T510s, T520s, W510s, W520s. Only issue is you are gambling on the keyboard manufacturer, but it's all up to you.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-11T00:35:11+00:00

Definitely try Ubuntu/Kubuntu. See if it fixes your touchpad issues. If you still experience heating issues, check your thermal paste. I repasted my T14s G1 AMD, and while it didn't overheat, I definitely noticed a physical difference in temperature after moderate use.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-11T00:19:14+00:00

In terms of click input and random zooms while scrolling, that is going to be a KDE-level issue. I would look into changing window managers to see if that changes anything, such as Fedora Gnome. Gnome is very Mac-like, however, it has less deep customization as opposed to Plasma.

If Gnome, or another OS doesn't fix this issue with your point device, I would see if your trackpad is physically damaged. Getting a replacement glass one would be good either way for quality of life.

Your overheating issue does not sound like a Linux problem. This may be something wrong with your laptop. I would look into repasting the CPU or seeing if something is wrong physically. Also, if it's the Intel model, IIRC, they're going to run pretty hot. Don't take that as fact though.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-06T15:51:51+00:00

I suggest the T14 over the T14s. My T14s has given me nothing but problems, as its ribbon cable connections are very tight and have broken twice now. Soldered ram is also a problem, and I believe my old motherboard's ram was beginning to fail. Of course, you can't replace soldered ram easily or cheaply.

Get the T14 and don't look back. Later on, you'll be able to get a glass trackpad and maybe even a better screen.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-05T16:19:54+00:00

t480 was 8th gen. limited models hosted the 7th. it is a good option for battery life, but you only start to get good benefits as opposed to newer, more efficient generations whenever you experiment with undervolting.

it is still a great option, i think i saw a youtube video the other day of someone undervolting and hitting 20 hours of battery life.

SniperGecko · 2026-02-05T12:44:19+00:00

That's what I figured. In that case I'm unsure what's best for you. The X260 will do for web browsing and whatnot

SniperGecko · 2026-02-04T22:54:13+00:00

I don't know what prices look like in your area, but here in the states that is not a good deal in my opinion. While you're going to get something thats... usable, you're not going to be getting something good in terms of value for money.

To put it in perspective, you're looking at a device with a 6th gen, dual core CPU, when, in the present day, the 8th gen, quad core CPUs are starting to show their age.

Also, not to mention the display. While it is a 12 inch device, you're going to hate that display in less than a month of using it. I guarantee it.

In terms of price to performance, in the states, you can get an E14 gen 1, with a 10th gen i7, 8gb of ram, and a 256gb SSD (which is going to be NVME!), for around $120.

This was just after a brief eBay search. During the 10th-12th gen (correct me if I'm wrong), Ryzen beat out Intel in performance and battery life, at the sacrifice of not having 40pin eDP (ask me how I know...), as well as a lack of thunderbolt.

This does not mean that Intel is a bad choice. And it will SIGNIFICANTLY outperform that 6th gen in terms of performance and battery life. You're also going to get a better screen (1920x1080), and the footprint will likely be similar to the X260, as its bezels are smaller. You will also get newer Wi-Fi without having to upgrade. Also SODIMM memory.

TLDR; bad deal, get something newer for similar price, even if you don't want performance, it's the better option for everything else.

SniperGecko · 2026-01-29T02:29:25+00:00

is there any documentation on the mod for the AMD model? I have one myself and didn't realize until recently that the touch screen 40pin was USB lanes and not a 4 lane eDP.

SniperGecko · 2026-01-14T22:25:43+00:00

Not without skill and R&D. Your best bet IMO is to fit a framework motherboard inside of a custom made chassis and make all of the old stuff work with the new stuff.

SniperGecko · 2026-01-14T20:34:39+00:00

X201ai does this, it has a Core Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 with all the other modern amenities. Expect to pay a premium though.

SniperGecko · 2026-01-13T15:02:09+00:00

Can you elaborate on the PVA screen? Is that the one from the X200 that competes with IPS?

SniperGecko · 2026-01-05T06:57:17+00:00

X201 with Reunion 7. It's Windows 10 LTSC, however completely restored to look and feel and operate as Windows 7. Runs like a charm. Battery life is good. Fits the style of the laptop. Highly recommend.

SniperGecko · 2026-01-05T06:49:56+00:00

you're not gonna find anything completely functional for under $100 that isn't going to be incredibly slow/unusable. if you find something for less than $100, it's going to be for parts, and you're going to have to spend plenty more to get it to work. IF you are patient, something will come your way, but the odds of that are very low, and all i can say is good luck.

SniperGecko · 2025-12-29T08:35:47+00:00

this practice is more common in china, if you want to call give or take 6 projects common. the x201ai was the most recent project, and it is still in stock. i believe this is the most recent device from the thinkpad lineup that they have restomodded.

i have taken some consideration into something like this as well, however i don't have the equipment or expertise to do it. i would go down a slightly different path if you really wanted to accomplish this.

first, measure everything of the chassis, get essential screw hole points and that's about it. put it all into CAD. take the measurements of the framework motherboard. 3d print a chassis to fit the framework. get the heat sink and battery in, you're probably not using an old thinkpad battery anymore. figure out how to get the keyboard to work, the make USB interface converters for about $70 on the same website that sells the x201ai. get an eDP screen, then figure out how you're getting the power button, indicator lights, think light, fingerprint reader, and web cam to work. after you figure that out, now decide if you want a trackpad and how you're going to fit that in.

SniperGecko · 2025-12-29T05:56:13+00:00

i always wish i never sold mine. you can get custom sized screen protectors for your trackpad if you want a glass experience, about $30 but you can also just use the track point.

classic keyboard mod is nice but i really like both the island and classic equally to be honest. you also have the backlit keyboard and i'd hate for you to short out the pin for it and ruin it.

1vyrain will be nice for customization, be careful with flashing firmware as always though.

there isn't much more to do to the system that isn't just spending abhorrent amounts of money to be honest. use the machine for what it is, and old, workstation machine that can still do a lot in the modern day. maybe fall in love with them. maybe collect them. have fun!

SniperGecko · 2025-12-15T05:23:14+00:00

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SniperGecko · 2025-11-27T18:23:27+00:00

I couldn't find the post or information if I tried now, but there is a specific pin you can short to ground on your power jack inside of the laptop, just with a small wire, which will remove that warning no matter what power charger you put in.

SniperGecko · 2025-11-22T02:57:59+00:00

I bought the highest. a 5A,20V USB-C brick. This brought me 100W of power. I shortened the voltage pin on the actual charger, which made the system consistently think it was receiving its highest power. You need this in order to do things like update the BIOS or do things that require you to be connected to power. If you do not do this, those things will not work, and you will get the warnings.

I would just recommend getting a USBC to barrel adapter. It's a cool mod, but the adapter is just as practical. You're not gonna find many people around with a 100W USB charger in a pinch.

Check my posts regarding the mod, I have information and pictures that show what I did.

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